Despite being one of the few to reach anything like his usual standard in Saturday's dismal defeat, Matty Appleby's unfortunate error played a huge part in Darlington's downfall.

He gave possession away in the centre of the field in the move that led to Kidderminster Harriers' opening goal in a 2-0 defeat which pushed Quakers down from sixth to eighth.

Appleby showed his class early in the second period when he skipped past two challenges in central midfield before pinging a perfect ball into Jason St Juste's path with the outside of his right boot.

And, with ten minutes to go, he looked like doing something similar when he dribbled past one opponent near the centre circle.

But he then missed the ball completely, giving the visitors the ball and seconds later it was in Quakers' net.

The defeat was his first since returning to Darlington and he explained: "Craig Russell made an excellent run. I was just going to try and play it up to him but then the ball went, and it wasn't a great pitch.

"You can't read a bobble, you can't see them coming.

"It took a bobble and they got through and even though Sam (Russell) made a save the ball fell straight to their player and he was able to score.

"We had a plan but we just did not apply ourselves. I've heard before from the gaffer that these are the kind of games that we've slipped up in and we've gone and done it again.

"We played a little bit better in the second half but there was no devilment.

"The final pass, the final cross, wasn't there, we didn't test their keeper enough and by the end it was just long-ball stuff and they looked comfortable.

"We didn't took them for granted, we just didn't apply ourselves. We never got about them.

"They set out their stall to make it difficult for us so they'll be delighted with the win.

"But I can't say they're thoroughly deserving of the three points.

"It's just as well we've another game so soon so we can put right what's gone wrong."

The fixture held extra importance for Quakers, who were not only looking to cement their place in the play-off zone but also mark the opening of the North Stand with a victory.

The celebrations held to coincide with the new stand brought a sizeable and expectant crowd, most of whom were anticipating a Darlington win against their relegation-threatened opponents.

But Appleby said: "I don't think the pressure got to the players, most of us have played in front of bigger crowds.

"The players are professional enough to block out what's going on off the pitch and to focus on the job, but we couldn't do that.

"The manager was livid, especially with us having a good crowd.

"He wanted to put on a good show, give them something to watch and make sure they come back."